Democrats Condemn Trump’s Record-Length State Of The Union; Protests Mark Historic Address

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Democrats strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address — the longest in recorded American history, lasting 1 hour and 48 minutes and surpassing the previous record set by former President Bill Clinton.

Governor Abigail Spanberger of the U.S. state of Virginia delivered the official Democratic Party response, sharply attacking Trump’s economic record and immigration policies.

She urged Americans to look beyond the rhetoric of Trump’s speech, which was about 20 minutes longer than President Clinton’s then-record-setting 2000 address, which lasted about 1 hour and 28 minutes.

In her televised rebuttal, Spanberger said families remain under financial pressure. “Americans are still feeling squeezed at the grocery store and at the gas pump,” she said. “We need serious solutions, not slogans.”

PROTESTS AND INTERRUPTIONS

Spanberger also criticized what she described as “chaotic immigration enforcement” that, in her view, does not address the system’s structural problems.

She spoke after the State of the Union address, which unfolded amid visible Democratic dissent in the U.S. Congress. Several Democratic lawmakers remained seated amid extended Republican applause and declined to stand when the president cited his administration’s achievements.

Others walked out during portions of the speech in protest.

Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, was ejected from the chamber after holding up a sign reading, “Black people aren’t apes!”

RACIAL CONTROVERSY AND POLITICAL TENSIONS

The protest followed controversy surrounding imagery previously circulated by Trump that critics described as racially offensive.

The controversy centered on a video shared by Trump that critics said contained racially offensive references involving former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Trump has not publicly characterized the video as racist, but Democratic lawmakers cited it as part of their protest.

Observers noted moments of tension as the president paused while some Democrats interrupted or withheld applause, underscoring the highly charged political atmosphere.

Outside the Capitol, where Congress met, activists organized alternative “People’s State of the Union” gatherings, including rallies and speeches focused on immigration and economic concerns.

POLLS REFLECT PARTISAN DIVIDES

Public opinion surveys conducted around the time of the address showed a sharply divided electorate.

A national poll published by the media outlets The Washington Post and ABC News, conducted by the research firm Ipsos, found that 60 percent of Americans disapproved of Trump’s overall job performance, while 39 percent approved.

Approval stood at about 85 percent among Republicans, while 94 percent of Democrats and roughly 69 percent of independents expressed disapproval.

A separate survey released by news agency Reuters in collaboration with Ipsos found that 61 percent of respondents believed Trump’s behavior had grown more erratic with age. However, 81 percent of Republicans described him as mentally sharp compared with 19 percent of Democrats.

FAITH RESPONSE, HONORING KIRK

Ahead of the address, Pastor Paula White-Cain, who leads the White House Faith Office, urged supporters to pray for the president.

“Join me in praying for @potus @realdonaldtrump tonight for the State of the Union address at 9pm est..,” she wrote on her Facebook page. “Lord, I thank you for President Trump and pray that you anoint him tonight with Your wisdom, power and presence in the name of Jesus!”

During the address, Trump also honored the late Christian student activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last year, thanking him for his service and recognizing his widow, Erika Kirk, who attended as one of the invited guests.

The evening ultimately highlighted not only the historic length of the address but also the entrenched political divisions shaping the national debate over the economy, immigration and the direction of the United States ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The elections, held halfway through Trump’s term, are expected to serve as a verdict on his administration as all members of the House of Representatives and about one-third of the Senate are elected or re-elected.

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